The sadness and inevitability of death brings problems and difficulties
that few persons have the knowledge or experience to cope with alone.
Most persons would like to die at home close to family and familiar
possessions. Every help must be given to the patient who wishes to die
at home and not in a hospital. The expense of prolonged hospitalization
is often prohibitive, and this is an additional psychological as well
as financial burden for the patient and family.
Some persons have more experience of helping with the dying than
others. The physician knows about the patient's physical needs and has
the skill to prevent or relieve pain. He or she becomes a leader and
supports the family during the weeks ahead. A member of the clergy can
give a spiritual support that may not have been needed by the patient
or the family for many years.
At the onset of a terminal illness, the physician and family are
faced with the decision of what to tell the patient. If the course of
the illness is rapid, the decision may not have to be made. The problem
usually arises when an inoperable cancer is present; when there is an
incurable muscular disorder; or when a cardiac condition begins to
rapidly deteriorate. Often the patient's mental state remains
unaffected and alert.
Every physician must be free to tell the patient what he or she
feels is necessary and appropriate. The problem is discussed with the
patient's family. The physician does not like to lie to the patient,
because the patient will lose confidence in the physician if he or she
were ever to discover the truth. Often the dying patient never asks a
direct question about his or her condition. This does not mean that the
patient is not aware of what is happening, but that he or she prefers
to help the family, the physician, and himself or herself by
maintaining the pretense that all will be well. The patient may not
want to know how many months or years he or she has got to live. It is
enough for the patient to know that he or she is not going to suffer.
Sometimes, however, the patient wants to know exactly what is
the matter, what can be done about it, the likelihood of successful
treatment, and eventually, the length of time the physician expects him
or her to live. Most physicians give truthful answers to direct
questions such as these. This honesty may in itself help the patient
through moments of mental anguish. It also gives the patient a chance
to put his or her affairs in order. The patient may not want the family
to know that he or she understands the predicament. This makes it
easier for them all to maintain a façade of cheerfulness. Recent
surveys suggest that patients increasingly want to know about their
disease and its exact prognosis, rather than being "protected" from bad
news.
I am the owner and author of Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects. You can find the original article here: Care of the Dying. If you'd like to read more of my articles, please visit my site!
